Top Ten Insect Eating Plants

These plants live get their nutrients from tiny animals (insects) that they prey on. These carnivorous plants are both slow and fast- depending on the family they belong to.

1. Sundews

Sundews are extremely wide-spread and can be found in almost every part of the world. They grow mostly in peat bogs and swamps and are similar to Rainbow plants. Sticky and sugary liquid is present on the tips of their leaves which attract insects. The plant will trap the insect in its tentacles and kill it within 15 minutes.

2. Butterworts

Butterworts grow in moist environments and are usually found in Europe and America. Their leaves have several glands and are sticky which helps the plant to lure and digest the prey. When the insect gets caught and starts to struggle, the leave secrete extra juices because of which the insect is unable to free itself.

3. Bladderworts

Bladderworts belong to the same family as butterworts and are as common as sundews. Their traps are bladder-like and have the capability of consuming water fleas, new tadpoles and fish fry. The trapdoor opens up when an insect brushes against it and extracts the tiny animal, making it impossible for it to leave. The entire process is over in less than 1 second.

4. Waterweel Plant

Waterweel plants belong to the same family as sundews as well. It lives in water and its trap resembles an open book. When the trigger hairs which are found on the inside of this trap come in contact with an insect, the trap snaps shut and locks the animal in. This insect eating plant is extremely fast and takes about 0.01 seconds to catch its prey.

5. The Venus Flytrap

The Venus Flytrap grows mostly in California in bogs. It preys on most insects with the help of its trap which operates with the help of a complex mechanism. The plant will digest its prey within 10 days and is also capable of preying on froglets.

About The Author

Thank u very much for giving such a nice report on carnivorous plants. It helped me a lot.

http://www.storieland.co.za Kobie

Hi – I have a question.
I am the writer of children’s books and need to know if Pitcher plants grow in Africa – more precisely South Africa. If not, what insect-eating plants are found here?
Thanks
Kobie